Mets have the chance to put Nationals in an even bigger hole this week

New York Mets' Wilmer Flores, left, runs the bases after hitting a ninth-inning walkoff solo home run as Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Matt Albers heads to the dugout after allowing the hit during a baseball game, Sunday, April 15, 2018, in New York.(Photo: Kathy Willens, AP)

The Mets completed a 5-1 week by defeating the Brewers, 3-2, on Wilmer Flores' walk-off homer Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. They enter this week's slate of games with an NL-best 12-2 record, and a three-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East.

Here are five things to watch for this week:

1. Separating from Nats?

The Mets led the Nationals by 1/2 games when the teams met for a three-game series in the first week of April. Entering this three-game series, the lead is up to six games. While it's only April, that's an eye-opening lead. The Mets will have the chance to put the Nationals up to nine games back in the division entering April 19.

2. Wheeler's 2nd start

Zack Wheeler dazzled in his season debut, tossing seven innings of one-run ball in a win over Miami. He's scheduled to face Washington on Tuesday, and it will be worth watching to see how he fares against a better lineup. If Wheeler again pitches well, the Mets could have a tough decision on their hands with where Wheeler should pitch.

3. Welcome to Atlanta

The Mets will play a four-game series in Atlanta this weekend, and the Braves are playing well to start the year. The Mets are so far 8-0 in the division, and how they perform against the Braves, Phillies and Marlins could play a large role in how this season plays out. They played well last year at SunTrust Park.

4. Snapping a cold streak

Yoenis Cespedes enters Monday's opener in a 7-for-47 skid. The outfielder is not having productive at-bats, and his timing still appears to be off. He has remained in the lineup because he believes that's the only way to break out of a funk, but it may be time soon to give him a day. The hot start is even more impressive due to his struggles.

5. Can Harvey rebound?

Matt Harvey is scheduled to start Thursday in Atlanta, and he's struggled in his last two outings against Washington and Milwaukee. It's imperative that Harvey starts the season strong, but he has not carried over the momentum from his first outing against Philadelphia. He's going to have to perform or his rotation spot could be in trouble.